Build Advice

[djscoo]

As my graduation present, I'm building my own PC. Here's my plan...please feel free to critique it as you wish.

• Intel Core i7 920
• EVGA X58 Mobo
• 6 GB DDR3 SDRAM
• Thermaltake 850w PSU
• EVGA GeForce 9800 GTX
• WD Caviar Black 500GB HD
• LG Blu-Ray/DVD-R optical drive
• Widows Vista Home Premium 32-bit.

[Alexraptor]

Swap that 9800GTX for a 9800GTX+, the later uses a 55nm core vs the former of 65nm. as a result the GTX+ draws less power and produces less heat, it also has the bonus of a little bit higher stock clock frequencies

[Lawman]

Those 6GB of RAM won't do you much good either if you're sticking with a 32-bit OS.

[djscoo]

Those 6GB of RAM won't do you much good either if you're sticking with a 32-bit OS.

Yeah, I've heard conflicting stories on the effectiveness of RAM the OS can't recognize...but why would a mobo accept up to 16 gigs of RAM if you have to force tho OS to recognize even 4 of them?
Anyways, I'm going to run down to Computer Shak later and see what they have (I think I'm going to order from Newegg though.). I'll keep everyone posted if the forums still exist... (:\

[ananda]

A 64 bit OS will recognise 16G RAM.

[stansdds]

I agree about the operating system. If you are set on using a 32 bit OS, then 4GB is more than enough as the OS will recognize approximately 3.5GB without work. A 64 bit OS will recognize up to 16GB.

[kilo delta]

i7 supports triple channel memory so go for 3GB, 6GB or max it out with 12GB of memory. 3GB is a little poor for today's applications so 6GB would be the sweet spot, though...if you've the cash and you regularly use programs that require lots of memory (photoshop or video editing apps) then by all means splash out on the 12GB
In order to get the most from your memory you'll need a 64bit OS

PS. Vista 64 can see up to 256GB afaik

[Alexraptor]

Actually a 32-bit OS will recognize 4gb, however it will reserve 512mb for Kernel functions.

[djscoo]

i7 supports triple channel memory so go for 3GB, 6GB or max it out with 12GB of memory. 3GB is a little poor for today's applications so 6GB would be the sweet spot, though...if you've the cash and you regularly use programs that require lots of memory (photoshop or video editing apps) then by all means splash out on the 12GB
In order to get the most from your memory you'll need a 64bit OS

PS. Vista 64 can see up to 256GB afaik

I've got 2 gigs on my current system, and the only time i've gotten "OOM", was when I was editing an 8.5x11 poster in PSP.

• If I do go with the 64-bit OS, I've heard there were some compatibility issues w/ certain programs...is this true?

• Also, what are the advantages/disadvantages of Home Premium vs. Ultimate, and 32-bit vs. 64-bit?